5 Hill Stations Near Mumbai You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Mumbai’s weekend road trips usually point to Lonavala, Matheran, or Mahabaleshwar. But what if there were hill stations near Mumbai that most people miss? Places where the pace slows down, where the air smells like fresh rain, and where the views stretch quietly into the monsoon sky.

The monsoon months bring a kind of magic to Western India. Forests deepen in colour, streams fill with energy, and quiet roads lead to some of the most peaceful corners of the Sahyadris and beyond.

This blog brings together five hill stations to visit that remain under the radar, especially during the rainy season. You’ll find small towns with tribal art, ancient forts, peaceful lakes, and fewer tourists. All five are under 400 km from Mumbai, making them ideal for short road trips or long weekends.

If you’re searching for places to visit in monsoon in India that aren’t already packed with people, this list is a great place to begin.

1. Jawhar: One of the Hill Stations Near Mumbai with Tribal Roots and Monsoon Charm

Distance from Mumbai: Approx. 140 km
Best time to visit Jawhar: June to September

Jawhar is one of the few hill stations near Mumbai where traditional tribal culture still thrives. The Warli community calls this place home, and their famous Warli paintings can be found on the walls of homes across the town. But the best time to see Jawhar is during the monsoon, when its many small waterfalls begin to flow and the hills take on a richer shade of green.

Why Visit Jawhar in the Monsoon?

• The weather in Jawhar is cool and breezy between June and September, with light showers that add a pleasant rhythm to the day.
  
• Dabhosa Waterfall, one of Maharashtra’s highest, is at its most powerful during the rains.
  
• Jai Vilas Palace, once the home of the Jawhar royal family, sits on a hill and is surrounded by clouds during the monsoon.
  
• Things to do in Jawhar include visiting tribal art centres, local temples, and trekking to small hills around the town.
  

If you’re looking for a calm town rich in culture and perfect during the rains, Jawhar is a solid pick. You can even book a villa in Jawhar that overlooks the hills or faces the waterfalls.

2. Bhandardara: A Quiet Monsoon Gem Among Hill Stations Near Mumbai

Distance from Mumbai: Approx. 165 km
Best time to visit Bhandardara: July to early October

If you enjoy rain-soaked walks, mist-covered valleys, and quiet lake views, then Bhandardara might just be your favourite place this season. It sits on the banks of the Pravara River and is surrounded by hills, forts, and waterfalls.

Why Visit Bhandardara in the Monsoon?

• Weather in Bhandardara during the monsoon stays cool and foggy, with average daytime temperatures between 22°C and 28°C.
  
• Randha Falls is a key tourist attraction in Bhandardara, especially when the Pravara River is full during monsoon.
  
• The view of Arthur Lake, with monsoon clouds hanging low and raindrops on the water, is one of the quietest and most peaceful scenes around.
  
• Things to do in Bhandardara include trekking to Ratangad Fort, visiting the Agasti Rishi Ashram, and walking around the Wilson Dam.
  

This is one of those hill stations near Mumbai where you can truly switch off. Many people rent a villa in Bhandardara by the lakeside, especially in the monsoon months, to enjoy complete silence and watch the rain over the hills.

3. Amboli: A Western Ghats Secret with Incredible Monsoon Views

Distance from Mumbai: Approx. 490 km (overnight drive)
Best time to visit Amboli: July to September

Though a bit farther than others on this list, Amboli is worth the drive. Located in the southern part of Maharashtra near Goa, it’s part of the Western Ghats and is known for its heavy rainfall and green valleys.

Why Visit Amboli in the Monsoon?

• The weather in Amboli during the monsoon is perfect for travellers who enjoy mist and cool air. Rain is frequent, and the fog makes the entire town feel quiet and slow.
  
• Amboli Waterfall becomes the heart of the town during the rainy season. Its strong flow and surrounding greenery make it one of the main tourist attractions in Amboli.
  
• Hiranyakeshi Temple, surrounded by trees and caves, feels more special during the rains.
  
• Things to do in Amboli include nature walks, photography of frogs and birds (it’s a biodiversity hotspot), and visiting Madhavgad Fort.
  

This is one of the less-visited hill stations near Mumbai, but for those who make the trip, it’s rewarding. A peaceful villa in Amboli, surrounded by fog and forests, is an ideal stay for couples or solo travellers.

4. Saputara: Gujarat’s Only Hill Station and a Beautiful Monsoon Destination

Distance from Mumbai: Approx. 250 km
Best time to visit Saputara: July to early September

Saputara sits close to the Maharashtra-Gujarat border and is one of the few hill stations near Mumbai that fall under Gujarat’s map. Often missed by travellers focused on Maharashtra alone, it’s a clean, organised, and surprisingly quiet monsoon destination.

Why Visit Saputara in the Monsoon?

• The weather in Saputara during the rainy season is cooler than expected, often between 19°C and 26°C.
  
• The Saputara Lake is calm and beautiful, especially when it rains and boats gently float in the drizzle.
  
• The town also has a well-maintained Step Garden and Rose Garden, both glowing in green during the rains.
  
• Things to do in Saputara include ropeway rides, visiting the Artist Village, and watching the view from Sunset Point. Tourists can also experience the Saputara monsoon festival.
  

As the only hill town in Gujarat, Saputara stands out. It’s a great option for those looking for places to visit in monsoon in India that are less busy but still have enough to see and do. Booking a villa in Saputara near the lake can give you the comfort of staying close to all the main points.

5. Toranmal: An Offbeat Monsoon Retreat in North Maharashtra

Distance from Mumbai: Approx. 460 km
Best time to visit Toranmal: August to September

Toranmal is one of the least-known hill stations to visit in Maharashtra, tucked away in the Satpura range in the Nandurbar district. It’s quiet, clean, and known for its religious sites and forest cover.

Why Visit Toranmal in the Monsoon?

• The weather in Toranmal stays cool, averaging 20°C to 25°C, and the hills get covered in clouds.
  
• The Yashavant Lake fills up during monsoon and is surrounded by thick forest.
  
• Gorakhnath Temple, visited by thousands during Mahashivratri, is also a peaceful stop in the rains.
  
• Things to do in Toranmal include walking around Seven Steps Viewpoint, visiting Sita Khai waterfall, and enjoying quiet evenings by the lake.
  

Unlike other more commercialised towns, Toranmal is still one of the untouched hill stations near mumbai in many ways. It’s one of the least crowded monsoon places in India, and if you’re looking for real peace, this is a strong option. Renting a villa in Toranmal can be a good way to enjoy the monsoon while staying close to the forest and temples.

Find New Monsoon Stories in These Lesser-Known Hill Stations Near Mumbai

There’s something rewarding about going off the usual route. These five offbeat hill stations near Mumbai, Jawhar, Bhandardara, Amboli, Saputara, and Toranmal, stand out not because they’re big or famous, but because they’re quietly beautiful, especially during the rains.

They offer exactly what many travellers miss these days: time, space, and peace. Whether you want to walk in the rain, sit by a waterfall, or just watch the clouds drift past, these places let you do it all without the usual rush.

If you’re looking for places to visit in monsoon in India that are different, less talked about, and still hold their charm, these towns are worth adding to your list. And if you’re planning to stay a night or two, consider renting a villa near Mumbai, Jawhar, Bhandardara, or any of the others. It could turn a short trip into a monsoon memory that stays with you for years.

Featured image credits: Amogh Sarpotdar via flickr

Written By: Ruben Saha